Iron Meridian

Iron Meridian throws out the usual rush-to-build-everything approach and makes you work with what little you have. You command a handful of units across hex-based maps, and every move counts because reinforcements are rare. It's slow in the best way — more chess than frenzy.

The interface took me a bit to learn, but once it clicked I was planning three turns ahead on every map. Supply lines are the real star here: cut your enemy's and the whole board tips in your favor. I lost several missions purely because I overextended, and that sting made the wins feel earned.

It's not a casual pick-up-and-play title, but for anyone who likes a proper think, it's great. Short mission lengths mean you can finish one on a bus ride and still feel like you accomplished something.

What we liked

• Resource scarcity that forces real choices
• Satisfying supply-line tactics
• Bite-sized missions with real weight